Bishalgarh: Feb 05. Ahead of the nationwide strike scheduled for February 12 under the call of the United Forum, the CPI-M Kathalia Area Committee on Thursday organised a protest march and a public meeting at the Kathalia commercial area in Sonamura subdivision, urging traders and the general public to support the bandh.
The march, which had around 50 participants, culminated in a meeting at the market chowmuhani. CPI-M leaders criticised the BJP-led central and state governments, alleging that their policies were against public interest, and appealed to shopkeepers, traders and small vehicle owners to extend support to the strike.
The programme, however, stood out due to the unusually heavy deployment of security personnel before and behind the procession. Local traders and shoppers noted that such a strong security presence during a CPI-M programme had not been witnessed in the Kathalia market since the 2018 Assembly elections, sparking curiosity among the public.
The rally was conducted peacefully under the supervision of Jatrapur police station OC Siti Kantha Bardhan. Later in the day, a BJP rally and market meeting were also held in the same area.
Addressing the gathering, CPI-M state secretariat member Ratan Saha spoke at length against the BJP governments’ policies.
The programme was attended by area secretary Kaushik Chand, senior leaders Nani Pal, Nakul Malla, Mihir Deb, Abdul Karim, and others.
